System snow tonight, heavy lake effect tomorrow

 

ABC57 First Warning Neighborhood Weather Forecast

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Our first round of snow Thursday morning brought around 2-3" of accumulation to most of Michiana. The second round will begin after 9 PM tonight, but this snow could be heavier compared to this morning's snow. By the time the snow arrives, air temperatures will likely fall below 20 degrees, so slick roads are likely in spots for the Friday morning commute. A general 1-3" of snow is expected by 8 AM Friday. 

By the time the commute is over, an intense band of lake effect snow (Round 3) will move into LaPorte and Starke counties. While the band will likely be about 20 miles wide at most points, snowfall rates greater than two inches per hour are possible, making for whiteout conditions underneath the heavy snow. The greatest snow totals (potentially reaching the double digits) will likely fall somewhere in Berrien and LaPorte counties, but all those involved in the Winter Storm Warning could see major travel impacts on Friday. Snow showers linger into Saturday morning before ending during the afternoon. Temperatures will once again be bitterly cold this weekend, with lows falling to near zero to start Sunday. The good news is that the sun should make an appearance Sunday with highs near 20.

Next week looks warmer but could have more weather woes due to possible freezing rain Monday night into Tuesday.

Tonight: System snow moves in during the evening. Low 14.

Tomorrow: System snow in the early morning, then lake effect throughout the day. Major travel impacts are possible near Lake Michigan. High 20.

Saturday: Snow tapers throughout the day. Cloudy. High 20.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and cold. High 18.